Economy

Colorado raises farmworker overtime threshold in break with blue states

Farm industry advocates say the adjustment was necessary and they hope it will not be the last state to act.
In this Sept. 28, 2011, file photo workers use a tractor to remove plastic from a field of rotting cantaloupe on a farm near Holly, Colo. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski, File)

A new law in Colorado has reignited the struggle over pay standards between the farm industry and labor advocates.

Lawmakers passed a bill this year that updates a 2021 law to require many farmhands to work eight additional hours a week before earning overtime pay. Supporters say raising the threshold will help farmers during a tough time for the industry. 

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